The Department of Justice (DOJ) will formally request the cancellation of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque’s passport following the issuance of an arrest warrant against him for qualified human trafficking linked to a POGO operation in Porac, Pampanga.
“We will write a letter for that purpose,” said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla in a statement Thursday.
Roque, who is currently seeking asylum in The Netherlands, is among 50 individuals—along with Cassandra Ong—facing charges tied to the controversial Lucky South 99 POGO firm. Roque claims the charges are politically motivated due to his ties to the Duterte family, a defense dismissed by Malacañang.
Remulla clarified that any enforcement of the arrest warrant would depend on the outcome of Roque’s asylum bid. “If his asylum is denied and his passport is canceled, he will have to be deported,” Remulla said.
He expressed confidence that The Netherlands would not shelter someone accused of such serious crimes, citing the DOJ’s observance of due process, including Roque’s opportunity to respond to the complaint during a hearing in Abu Dhabi.
Meanwhile, the DOJ is also preparing the necessary documents to request an Interpol red notice. This international alert seeks the assistance of global law enforcement in locating and arresting a person pending extradition.